Cat owners across the United States are welcoming the forthcoming availability of a groundbreaking drug that offers hope in treating a previously fatal illness in felines. Stokes Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy based in New Jersey, has announced an exclusive partnership with the Bova Group to introduce a U.S.-manufactured compounded oral treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), slated for release on June 1.
The Bova Group, a veterinary pharmaceutical company with roots in the U.K. and Australia, launched GS-441524, a drug compound designed to combat FIP, in 2021. However, until now, the drug has not been accessible for purchase in the United States.
Stokes Pharmacy emphasized that the treatment is based on Bova’s proprietary drug formula, which has undergone extensive clinical research globally and is currently utilized in the U.K. and Australia. Fox News Digital sought further comment from Stokes Pharmacy but did not receive a response at the time of reporting.
In a statement issued on May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged certain conditions under which the agency refrains from enforcement actions concerning compounded products for animal use, although these drugs are not officially FDA-approved.
FIP, as described on the Cornell University Feline Health Center’s website, is a viral disease in cats caused by specific strains of the feline coronavirus. While most feline coronaviruses are benign and resolve spontaneously, some mutate into FIP, a condition that is typically progressive and almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms manifest.
Prior to this development, U.S. cat owners seeking treatment for FIP often resorted to acquiring the drug through unofficial channels, colloquially known as the “black market.”
The announcement has stirred cautious optimism among organizations such as FIP Warriors, founded in March 2019 to aid cat owners in obtaining necessary medications for their pets. While expressing optimism, FIP Warriors underscored the need for additional information from Bova and Stokes and pledged to disseminate updates within the FIP Warriors community.
The group expressed a collective hope that the newfound accessibility of a safe, cost-effective treatment option will facilitate the recovery of as many FIP-afflicted cats as possible, marking a promising milestone in combatting the disease.
As the landscape of FIP treatment evolves, FIP Warriors reaffirmed their commitment to educating veterinarians and cat owners alike, signaling a dedication to supporting affected communities amidst these significant developments.
